Soccer fans went into a tizzy when Lionel Messi made his move to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain for a whopping $50 million per year. With that done, Messi was in action during the match between Inter Miami and Cruz Atul during the 2023 Leagues Cup. To watch the legend in action, other legends turn up as cheerleaders. And among them were NBA’s LeBron James and Tom Brady. It soon triggered a new online curiosity.

As the first footage of the match rung up on the Internet, fans started putting up their thoughts and comments about Messi’s form on the field. One particular account coincidentally compared Messi’s performance with LeBron’s exploits.

Messi’s freekick debut at Inter Miami

Messi and his team were put up against Cruz Azul in his American league debut game. The Argentinean legend was introduced into the match as a substitute in the 52nd minute.

When Messi entered the match, Cruz Azul and his team were equally positioned at 1-1. The legend seized the moment and the match with a spectacular free kick that resounded through the field and found the back of the goalpost with an effortless ease that only Messi – or rather his famed left foot – can depict.

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Along with all this, Messi also created a record of being the first player to score a goal on a free-kick on his debut.

Messi-James comparison

The two sporting superstars were seen hugging each other during the match. But the NBA fandom got into the fray and began comparing Messi’s entry into a brand new league to what would happen if LeBron James, who is all set to return to the LA Lakers, would make his way into the WNBA.

James has created an aura for himself by going from strength to strength in the game. Today, he is the highest point scorer in the NBA and an inspiration for the younger generation of players. But the comparison with Messi made Akron Hammer fuel the internet all over again.

Another one once again reminded the world that LeBron was the GOAT

One account didn’t like the comparison:

One account introduced another franchise:

One more had something to say about the goal itself:

The comments on social media networks are hitting thick and fast, and there’s every chance that these comments might ignite a further conversation among NBA fans.

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What do you think about this comparison? Tell us in the comments.